TNCC - Trauma Nursing Core Course

Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification is overseen by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) and prepares emergency nurses for handling life-threatening trauma cases. TNCC certification is taught by qualified registered nurses and increases the knowledge, training, and critical thinking skills RNs need to provide high-quality trauma nursing care. The course helps nurses learn the latest trauma nursing practice recommendations and how to effectively perform systemic assessments, rapidly identify life-threatening injuries and promptly apply appropriate emergency care.

The ENA launched the 8th edition of its Trauma Nursing Core Course in April 2019, which offers more interactive components and multi-platform learning with case scenario-based online modules and avatar-driven simulations. The evidence-based content was developed by trauma nursing experts with a curriculum designed specifically for registered nurses.

Course Format: Trauma Nursing Core Course certification follows a format that utilizes various learning methods, which includes self-study of the 24-chapter, comprehensive TNCC Provider Manual. The manual is a compilation of current trauma nursing standards with evidence-based content and provides a valuable resource for future reference.

Students also complete online modules that take them through a complete case study with an entire sequence of care. Modules must be completed before the in-person classroom component and allow students to learn at their own pace. Nurses can apply what they learn and receive immediate feedback, which they can refer back to any time.

Instructor-led classes include discussions, live simulations, and skills stations. Live simulations and skills training is presented using an individual and team approach. Simulations and skills stations offer nurses the opportunity to practice assessments of and interventions for trauma patients in a controlled environment. 

• Completion Time: Online modules take about 3 to 6 hours to complete. The instructor-led classroom component lasts 1.5 to 2 days depending on the provider.

• Cost: Varies by the provider but common costs are between $300 to $400 with discounts sometimes given for ENA membership. This cost may or may not include the 8th edition TNCC textbook, which is mandatory to attend classes.

TNCC certification participants must be registered nurses with a current, unrestricted nursing license. Reviewing the textbook and completing all online modules are mandatory to enter the instructor-led classroom portion of the program. Students must bring a printed copy of their certificate of completion for the online modules as verification and a copy of the 8th edition TNCC textbook to be admitted into class.

Trauma nursing skills are reviewed, practiced, and evaluated during in-person classes. Students generally must score a 70% or better on their psychomotor skills evaluation. Following completion of the instructor-led course and skills evaluation, nurses must take a written test and score an 80% or higher to pass. The 50-question test is given online. Nurses have two hours to complete the test, which is an open book exam. Some TNCC certification facilities allow students to retake the test once if they fail their first attempt. However, some facilities don’t offer a free retake but instead require nurses to return for retesting within 30 days for a fee. The ENA will send students who pass a link to their TNCC card.

Trauma Nursing Core Course certification is valid for four years and recognized internationally. To renew certification, nurses have a TNCC Fast Track course option, which is an abbreviated version of the initial TNCC certification process. TNCC Fast Track was specifically developed for RNs needing to renew their TNCC verification cards and are comfortable with independent study.

Nurses must attend a portion of the didactic instruction and pass the same skill stations and online exam required for standard course completion. Successful completion results in a new four-year verification card.

• Cost: The cost for Fast Track/renewal courses varies but generally runs around $250. However, some TNCC facilities charge the same price for Fast Track as they do for the full TNCC program.

The Emergency Nurses Association is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation as a provider of continuing professional development for nurses. Registered nurses can earn up to 18.25 CNE hours for completing Trauma Nursing Core Course certification.

To receive TNCC certification, a student must be a registered nurse with a valid license. All other licensed medical personnel, including licensed practical nurses and paramedics, may attend all portions of the course but only receive continuing education units. They won’t take the final exam or receive certification.

A logical next step for nurses who earn their TNCC certification and want to further their trauma nursing careers is to seek professional certifications. The Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) credential offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing is for registered nurses practicing across the continuum of trauma care who specialize in rotating through trauma rooms to assist trauma teams.